We know you choose to volunteer to give back to the community and the parks. But it’s alright to enjoy the fruits of your labors, too! Take a look at four fantastic benefits of volunteering in the Golden Gate National Parks—and share these with friends who are thinking about pitching in.

Renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz’s new exhibition, “WOMEN: New Portraits,” is only appearing in two cities in the United States. In San Francisco, this free exhibition (through April 17, 2016) will be right here in the Presidio, along Crissy Field. Read on for details and ticket info.

The Presidio Native Plant Nursery—one of six nurseries in the Golden Gate National Parks—will soon open a long-awaited structure: a new 75’ by 110’ shadehouse! Learn why this building is so important—and submit your ideas for what we should name it.

We asked a panel of bike experts for their favorite rides in the Golden Gate National Parks. Read on for the full prescription from these cycle-ologists: directions, descriptions, tips, and more. Then put your mettle to the pedal and get out there!

Many people flock to birding because they love birds' beautiful plumage, their intricate songs, or their entertaining antics. For Daniela Sánchez, it was serendipity.

I have always loved Turkey Vultures. It all started when I met Toulouse, the Turkey Vulture, when I was a volunteer at the Animal Resource Center at the San Francisco Zoo. As a GGRO Intern in 2008, I watched the Turkey Vultures do their wobbly, effortless soaring around Hawk Hill. One day on the Hill, someone said to me, “You will get tired of watching Turkey Vultures when you go to Veracruz.” Well, that person was wrong. My experience in Mexico, watching thousands of vultures on migration, only increased my love for vultures. Incidentally, in Mexico, Turkey Vultures are called “Zopilotes.”

Whales are common recurring characters in the waters along Crissy Field, but in October 2018, one (artificial) leviathan made its landfall. The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Blue Whale art exhibit on Crissy Field challenges everyday visitors to examine their plastic consumption and the health of our oceans.

The San Francisco Bay Area is a biodiversity hotspot for flora and fauna—there are around 144 species of butterflies that call the region home! But factors such as urbanization, invasive plants, and climate change have made the lives of our four-winged friends in the Bay Area quite difficult.

Are diverse communities stronger communities? It is not as simple as you think.

Volunteers with Marin’s Park Stewardship team have been gathering together branches and sticks, lashing them together, and dumping them in Redwood Creek. Some strange ritualistic behavior? Or evidence of restoration science at work? Find out by reading on.